Former St. John’s Standout Moe Harkless Struggles To Define His Role In NBA

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 29: Moe Harkless #21 of the Orlando Magic goes up for the dunk against the Toronto Raptors during the game on December 29, 2012 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

The former St. John’s standout and current Orlando Magic forward returned to the Big Apple as his team took on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Harkless put up 16 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop Deron Williams and Brook Lopez as they led the resurgent Nets to a 97-77 win.

“Probably the speed of the game, adjusting to all the traveling, playing every day, pretty much, is tough,” the rookie said after the loss. “I mean, we have played more games already than I played my whole career.”

But adapting to the schedule isn’t the only adjustment the former Big East Rookie of the Year is making this year.

Last season, Harkless recorded 32 starts in 32 games and led the Red Storm with his 36.1 minutes per contest. Coach Steve Lavin referred to his freshman sensation as “the best player in New York City.”